The Sedalia Weekly Bazoo

THE FAIR GROUNDS.

The Programme—A Visit to the Grounds Yesterday—Fine Horses and Cattle—Press Headquarters Various Items, Etc.

To-morrow commences the first day of the fair of the Central Missouri Agricultural and Mechanical Association for 1877 which from present appearances promises to be one of the most successful expositions ever given in Central Missouri. The officers of the Association have been untiring in their efforts to promote its success, and every detail that could conduce towards that consummation, as far as lay in their power, has been carefully provided for. The list of premiums is liberal, and their payment is guaranteed over the signatures of over two hundred of the most responsible citizens of our county.

In order that our readers abroad can form some definite idea of the grounds and surroundings, we quote their descriptions from the catalogue:

The Fair Grounds consist of forty seven acres, lying just within the western city limits, adjacent to the Pacific Railway. The grounds are beautifully located upon the prairie, gently sloping in every direction from the tower located in the center. Every portion of the grounds is plainly visible from the amphitheater.

The amphitheater is an immense circular building enclosing the tower, with an outside circumference of one-eighth of a mile The inside, facing the arena and tower is covered in and has a capacity for seating eight thousand persons. Under the same roof, in the rear of the seats, there is a promenade fourteen feet wide, extending around the circumference of the amphitheater, with admirable view of the entire grounds; and under it, booths for refreshments, etc.

Just south of the amphitheater, within one hundred feet, is an imposing structure designed for the Floral Hall, which is forty by one hundred feet. All of which, together with a half mile track, are enclosed by a broad and beautiful mile track.

In addition to the valuable and substantial improvements made, and the large sums of money expended in the embellishment of the grounds, during the past few years, the Board of Directors is now making extensive and costly repairs and improvements on the buildings and grounds, and is confident of its becoming one of the best arranged and most beautiful Fair Grounds in the West.

THE PROGRAMME

for the amphitheatre during the coming week, is as follows:

Display of draft and matched horses..
Tuesday.
Blooded cattle, grade cows and heifers, milch cows, oxen, fat cattle, saddle horses.
Trotting race—purse $150, for horses that prior to August 26th, 1877, have never beaten 2:37. First premium, $125; second premium, $75; third premium, $50.

Wednesday.
Cattle—Short horns; horses of all work.
Trotting Race—Purse $150, for horses that have never beaten 3 minutes prior to August 26th, 1877. First premium, $100; second premium, $75; third premium, $50.

Thursday.
Jacks and Jennets, roadsters, saddle horses.
Trotting Race—Purse $250, for horses that have never beaten 2:30 prior to August 26th, 1877. First premium, $125; second premium, $75; third premium, $50.
Running Race—One mile and repeat. Purse $100. First premium, $75; second premium, $25.

Friday
Mules, sweepstakes, horses—open to all ages and breeds, roadsters
Trotting Race—Purse $250 for horses that have never beaten 2:45 prior to June 26th, 1877. First premium, $125; second premium, $75; third premium, $25.
Running Race—Mile dash. Purse $75. First premium, $50; second premium, $25.

Saturday.
Thoroughbred horse, saddle horses.
Running Race—Free for all. One-half mile dash, catch weight. Purse $25.

Yesterday evening a Bazoo reporter visited the grounds, and found everything in busy preparation for the great coming event of next week. Workmen were busily engaged inside the amphitheater in clearing up, the various proprietors of booths were putting them in order, and all the surroundings bore evidence of life and activity. The first visit was made to

THE STABLES,

where are now quartered several fine blooded horses. As you enter the gate, to the left, is Col. J. Doty's headquarters. The Colonel was there himself, giving his personal attention to his favorite horse, J. N. Steck. Steck is a fine sorrel, clean limbed, and a "goer." He appeared to be in splendid condition, and is entered for the 30 and 37 races.

In the next stall is the Belle of St. Louis, a trotter, owned by Ben. Harrison, of Marshall; Saline county. She is a fine looking animal and is entered for the 32 and 45 races.

Next comes the popular and general favorite, Pilot Temple. Of course wherever Pilot is, there also is her owner, Charley Myers. Charley says Pilot will positively appear in "the Landlord's Race."

Passing on to the amphitheater and opposite the Judges stand, we arrived at Mr. Chas. Pratt's stables, where the following well-known horses are quartered:

Ben Lyon, h. g., 7 years old, 15:3 high. He will trot on Wednesday and Friday.

In the next stall was the favorite and neat little mare, Nona, also the property of Capt. Pratt. Nona is a bright bay, 4 years old, and about 15 hands high.

Farther on is Billy D., a light bay, 8 years old, 15:2 high; a trotter. This is a Kentucky horse, brought here by its owner from Frankfort in that State.

Ivanhoe comes next. He is 5 years old, 15:3 high, a runner, and owned by Mr. E. G. Chambers, of Cooper county.

Messrs Harris & Adams have also thirteen head of blooded horses in their stables, comprising trotting and breaking horses. Among them are

Titan, a sorrel, 8 years old, trotter.
Kentucky Joe, b. c., 3 years old, trotter.
Titan Filly, 2 years old, trotter.
A bay saddle stallion, 5 years old.
A saddle gelding, 7 years old.
Two banner mares by "Wild Irishman."
Four blooded colts.

All of the above except the Kentucky horse were raised in Pettis county.

FINE CATTLE.

Mr. W. W. Hedges, of Paris, Bourbon county, Ky., has thirteen splendid pure blooded short-horn bulls, ranging in age from two and a half months to three years old. They are of solid color, comprising 6 blood red, 2 roans and the rest are red and white. For pedigree, etc., see advertisement in another column.

FLORAL HALL

has been thoroughly cleansed and fitted up, and is now in perfect condition and ready for use. This building will probably be one of the most interesting features of the Exposition, for here will be exhibited the handiwork of the ladies, and also the floral gems of the horticulturist.

Among those arranging their booths on the grounds we noticed Messrs. Herman Smith, Wentzelman and Kiefer.

Mr. Al. Goodwin is fitting up a large restaurant, in which he will be prepared to feed the hungry with all the delicacies and substantials of the season. He will also have a large stock of confectioneries, etc.

THE PRESS

will also be well represented on the grounds.

Workmen were yesterday evening engaged in erecting the Bazoo Wigwam, which will be situated by the side of the Southern entrance to the amphitheater.

The Democrat's headquarters are already completed, and is located immediately west of the amphitheater, commanding a good view of the grounds.

The Judges stand, on the race track, has been braced up and repaired.

-Up to last night, 265 entries had been made, most of them in classes C. and F. Floral Hall Department.

Last night, Maj. Gest, Secretary of the Association, received a number of telegrams from prominent horsemen in Kansas City, in regard to entering their horses for the Fair.

From present indications everything appears to be auspicious for a most successful exhibition, and all we lack is the hearty co-operation of Father Tice and the elements. May both prove propitious.